Discussion
I had them many years ago and got operated on.
The last few years they have returned. I’ve been using a nasal spray and every few months steroid capsules.
Unfortunately the last lot of capsules failed to do anything and I’m back in the cycle of constant coughing, nose running, etc. I’ve got a chest x ray booked but I’m pretty sure the coughing is the polyps as it used to happen just before I got new capsules so I’m not overly concerned.
According to my doctor my body has become used to the steroids so I’m sort of at a loss. The NHS are now reluctant to operate but the thought of this for the rest of my life isn’t pleasant. The only time it doesn’t bother me is when I’m lying down so at least I get a sleep.
He’s giving me codine to relieve the coughing and I’m trying menthol steam.
Anyone got the same or know of a way to relieve the symptoms?
Have you tried a sinus rinse? I use the NeilMed Sinus Rinse, and it really helps with the symptoms you describe, for me. I have been in a similar situation where the steroids no longer works. But my doctor has since prescribed me different steroids. Is there a reason they won't remove the polyps?
Had 4 or 5 polyp operations and now use Beconase type nasal sprays alternate days and thankfully they haven't returned for 10 years.
Consultant gave me great advice do not waste money on expensive nasal flushes but simply mix a small quantity of sea salt with similar amount of bicarb soda add hot water from a boiled kettle to a sterilised bottle and sniff up some liquid each morning to rinse out your sinuses and prevent any infection due to poor sinus drainage.
Make new mixture up every 3 to 4 days.
Consultant gave me great advice do not waste money on expensive nasal flushes but simply mix a small quantity of sea salt with similar amount of bicarb soda add hot water from a boiled kettle to a sterilised bottle and sniff up some liquid each morning to rinse out your sinuses and prevent any infection due to poor sinus drainage.
Make new mixture up every 3 to 4 days.
Would also sugges the nasal rinse as a first cheap step if not already done so.
I use one of the amazon specials: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0865HTF69/ref...
i find it slightly easier to use than the neilmed type ones.
I had the whole lot of nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates and septum deviation. which i had operated on (not greatly) and still have issues but at least is now only one side.
ive been through the same cycle of steroids to be told no point giving you anymore etc. I still use a steroid nasal spray for a couple weeks every 6 months or so in hope.
Also got told they would not want to operate again. sighting the risks of operating again.
I use one of the amazon specials: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0865HTF69/ref...
i find it slightly easier to use than the neilmed type ones.
I had the whole lot of nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates and septum deviation. which i had operated on (not greatly) and still have issues but at least is now only one side.
ive been through the same cycle of steroids to be told no point giving you anymore etc. I still use a steroid nasal spray for a couple weeks every 6 months or so in hope.
Also got told they would not want to operate again. sighting the risks of operating again.
Be interested to know answers. Mrs Pieman had had a previous operation and is currently just awaiting a date for another go - apparently one side completely blocked with polyps and her sinuses are full as can't drain. She has no sense of smell, regular migraines and struggles to sleep (although this is probably a combination of this and the menopause)
The snoring is biblical!
The snoring is biblical!
PaulWoof said:
Also got told they would not want to operate again. sighting the risks of operating again.
This is clearly a major factor in ensuring your operation is a success and further polyp growth is stopped.There are only a limited number of times you are advised to have the operation due to the risk factors involved.
I had FESS (Functional endoscopic sinus surgery) just before Covid (or imagine I'd still be waiting). An MRI scan for something else showed my sinuses were clogged - probably had been much of my life (apologies if you shared a flight with me as a screaming child - turns out wasn't my fault) and the presence of polyps. Explains my very poor sense of taste/smell and why it took so long for my nose to recover after a cold. Surgery to remove and then opened the drains to the sinuses. Bizarre recovery when several weeks later a bit of packing bigger than a 20p comes out of your nose!
I was told if your body was so inclined to over-produce whatever chemical/process was making the polyps, it would likely continue to do so and similar surgeries would needed in the future. I was certainly asked "is this your first time" a few times.
I was told if your body was so inclined to over-produce whatever chemical/process was making the polyps, it would likely continue to do so and similar surgeries would needed in the future. I was certainly asked "is this your first time" a few times.
I've had 4 polyp removal ops in fairly quick succession - probably over about 7 years. At the last one they found a hole in the back of my upper sinus cavity that means the lining round my brain is exposed.
I was then referred to Birmingham QE as apparently they had the technology to remove polyps without risking brain injury (!) but that was 11 years ago and they've steadfastly refused to operate again, since.
Luckily for me, my polyps seem to have calmed down so while I don't have an entirely clear nose, and colds hang on for ever, it's nothing like as bad as it's been pre-op a few times in my life.
But it does make me wonder why there's such a long list of apparent refusals to operate, from replies above. New policy? Recent recognition of increased risk?
amongst other things, I've been told there's a risk to my eyesight and that operating can make the polyps come back larger. I don't know how much of it's correct but the resistance to operate has been deeply frustrating, and seemingly not an isolated thing.
I was then referred to Birmingham QE as apparently they had the technology to remove polyps without risking brain injury (!) but that was 11 years ago and they've steadfastly refused to operate again, since.
Luckily for me, my polyps seem to have calmed down so while I don't have an entirely clear nose, and colds hang on for ever, it's nothing like as bad as it's been pre-op a few times in my life.
But it does make me wonder why there's such a long list of apparent refusals to operate, from replies above. New policy? Recent recognition of increased risk?
amongst other things, I've been told there's a risk to my eyesight and that operating can make the polyps come back larger. I don't know how much of it's correct but the resistance to operate has been deeply frustrating, and seemingly not an isolated thing.
It must be 30 years at least since I was operated on so I suppose I've been lucky to get away with it this long.
If it was guaranteed half that length I'd consider going private as I've already had a couple of consultations about it. but for a couple of years relief it just doesn't add up.
My doctor has been giving me a Mometasone furoate nasal spray to use daily but that hasn't held back the need for the steroids. Whenever the cough starts I know it's time for the steroids.
He's prescribed a saline nasal spray so I'll give that a go. I'm glad that seems to be the route to go.
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